CARING FOR SICK ANIMALS
In the first place keep them clean. If necessary wash them daily, especially the parts liable to get filthy and dirty. In fever cases a gentle sponging, every few hours during the day, is desirable. Vinegar added to tepid water is very good.
Animals in feverish or chilly condition can be assisted by blankets and bandages. These are very helpful in warding off congestion of the internal organs and in maintaining an even temperature of the body. Any warm rug or blanket that is clean and light will serve.
In bandaging the legs, endeavor to get an equal pressure at all points. A long roll is, therefore, best, and several layers should be wrapped around the member. It is a good plan to remove the bandage, replacing with another at least once a day, and two a day are better. When a bandage is removed, the skin should be washed and rubbed with the hand and fingers, and the covering replaced as promptly as possible.
Food and Drink.
—During sickness only easily digestible food should be provided. Offer something different from the ordinary, and let it be prepared in an appetizing form. Nothing is better than gruels and mashes. These are soft, nourishing, appetizing, and easily digested. When active nutrition is demanded, milk and eggs can be added to the ordinary gruels or mashes.
Water should be available at all times. Small amounts at frequent intervals are better than large amounts at intervals far apart. In a few instances only is it best to withhold the water. In treating dysentery, diarrhœa and diabetes water is usually withheld, but in most diseases a free use is allowable and desirable.